Residents in Ballarat and surrounding areas are benefiting from greater access to justice supports and services thanks to the relocation and upgrade of the Ballarat Justice Service Centre, funded by the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today officially opened the new Justice Service Centre in Camp Street Ballarat, which has replaced the previous Mair Street site to house the growing workforce and provide high quality critical services to those in the region.

The $2.8 million centre is helping the community access more essential justice services including to make sheriff payments, a range of births, deaths and marriages application supports, and seek advice on consumer affairs matters — delivering a centralised place for Ballarat community members to access all the justice services they need.

As well as Consumer Affairs Victoria, and  Births, Deaths and Marriages, the centre also houses Community Correctional Services, Youth Justice community services, Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria staff, the Sherriff’s Office of Victoria, and other groups that support justice service delivery.

It also serves as a key point of contact for people on Community Correction Orders and supports the conditions imposed to help people with their transition back into the community – to keep the whole community safe.

The Centre was funded as part of the Labor Government’s record investment of more than $233 million in the 2016-17 Victorian Budget as part of its revamped Community Correctional Services model and accommodation expansion for justice services in regional locations.

The Government also announced a further $14.4 million in last year’s budget for a range of initiatives aimed at rehabilitating adult offenders, supporting their reintegration into the community, and improving community safety for everyone.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections, Youth Justice and Victim Support Sonya Kilkenny

“Justice Service Centres across Victoria bring so many essential services together and ensure Victorians can access the information and supports they need with ease.”

“We’re investing in community safety and this upgraded facility is key to delivering critical justice services.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Keeping communities safe involves everyone, and I’d like to thank the partnerships between the local teams and service providers who work hard to help our community safe every day.”

“The upgrade and relocation of the Ballarat Justice Service Centre will mean more people can access the information and services they need.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to keeping our communities safe, and the Ballarat Justice Service Centre is just another example of our ongoing commitment.

“Residents in Ballarat and surrounding areas will benefit from access to justice, support and services thanks to our Government’s important investment.”